Some people may only experience mild blurriness, while others may have more severe vision disturbances. Have you ever woken up after a night of drinking only to find that your vision is a bit blurry? Many people experience blurred vision when they’re hungover, and it can be quite frustrating. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind why you may have blurry vision when you’re nursing a hangover. Lowered inhibitions when drinking alcohol can lead to impulsive behavior—engaging in behaviors without considering the potential consequences of your actions.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Chronic drinkers who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, as they may indicate optic nerve damage. Chronic alcoholism is linked to a condition called toxic amblyopia, which results from prolonged exposure to alcohol and poor nutrition. This condition damages the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. Additionally, long-term alcohol use can contribute to retinal damage, which affects the ability to perceive colors and see clearly. Long-term heavy drinking can also damage or accelerate the ageing of structures inside the eye, such as the lens, retina, and optic nerve.
What are the potential causes of blurry vision after drinking alcohol?
The brain picks up the signals from the rods and cones and puts them together into a “colourful” picture of the world in front of us. After a stop at the thalamus, which acts as a sorting station, the signals reach their final destination—the visual cortex. In the short-term, overconsumption of alcohol can result in blurry or double vision. It can cut down on your peripheral vision as well, resulting in tunnel vision.
Possible long-term effects on eyes
While these problems are usually temporary, knowing how to address them can make all the difference in turning your day around. Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of the liver doing its job breaking down red blood cells. Normally, the liver — a sophisticated waste management system — processes bilirubin and eliminates it from the body. But with alcohol in the Oxford House picture, the liver gets overwhelmed, and bilirubin starts accumulating in places it shouldn’t — like our skin and the whites of our eyes. The Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov once said, “The tongue may hide the truth but the eyes — never! ” As humans, we start “speaking” with our eyes long before we even know what words are.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to other vision-related issues. For example, alcohol can dilate blood vessels in the eyes, causing redness and even exacerbating existing eye conditions such as dry eyes or glaucoma. In extreme cases, heavy alcohol consumption can even cause temporary blindness. If you regularly experience blurry vision after drinking alcohol, it is important to consult with a healthcare blurry vision after drinking alcohol professional. They can help determine the underlying cause of your blurry vision and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Why Does Alcohol Blur Your Vision? Exploring The Causes Of Blurry Vision After A Night Of Drinking
- This reduction in antioxidant capacity weakens the eye’s defences, particularly in the macula, where oxidative damage is strongly linked to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
- Studies have shown that cataracts typically develop after the age of 55 in most adults, but heavy drinking can cause them to occur earlier.
- It is important to prioritize one’s health and well-being when consuming alcohol to minimize any potential negative effects on vision.
- The combination of alcohol-induced changes in brain function and dehydration can further worsen the blurry vision experienced during a hangover.
- By Lindsay CurtisCurtis is a writer with over 20 years of experience focused on mental health, sexual health, cancer care, and spinal health.
When we drink, alcohol affects many systems of the body, some of which change the way our eyes look and feel. We think of our patients as family and have been leaders in eye care since 1981. Our modern advanced technology and friendly and supportive staff have led to our being one of the premier eye care and centers for surgery on the western coast of Florida. At Florida Eye Specialists and Cataract Institute, we are proud to deliver personal service that has ensured the satisfaction of our patients. You might be wise in limiting your consumption of alcohol to special occasions, dinners, and celebrations.
It’s important to note that the yellow tint — harmless as it may seem at first glance — is really the liver’s cry for help. Addressing this warning sign often involves taking a break from booze to give the liver much-needed time to heal. Sometimes medical interventions to support liver recovery and manage bilirubin levels are necessary.